Top 4 Wonderful Mini Moon Destinations Close to Nashville
To celebrate their union, a honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds shortly after their wedding. For most newlyweds, the honeymoon is the journey of a lifetime. It gives you time to enjoy each other with all the preparation and pressure behind you. It lays the foundation for the experiences you’ll have in your future, and it creates memories that will last your lifetime.
Today, due to the pandemic, many people still want to make a Mini Moon after their wedding to celebrate, but get them out on their big trip later when things are allowed. Mini Moon is a long weekend of luxury that is normally close to home, but far enough so you feel like you are taking a break from the daily grind. It is not only a perfect way to power up yourself and share some intimate, quality time, but it is also a lot cheaper than going off to a luxurious honeymoon destination. Rather than spending hours at an airport, you can escape to a resort or a boutique country hotel, travel into the countryside for some fresh air, or dash the big city to enjoy the bustling nightlife.
Why do you need a Mini Moon?
Less travel time. To be able to unwind without travel fatigue or jetlag and spend more time together
You won’t have to take a set of leaves. This means you're not going to be stressed about having to take unpaid leave for a longer honeymoon.
Serious bonding time. If you're newlyweds, you can take time to absorb the huge milestone you've just celebrated and start looking forward to the future.
Can be a honeymoon preview. You can take a mini-moon to make sure that you get away after your wedding, and then you can keep saving and working to take your extravagant vacation down the track.
For this blog, I am going to share with you the Top 4 wonderful destinations for Mini Moon that is close to Nashville.
1. Louisville, Kentucky
It may seem like a small town but there is a lot to see and the best thing to do.
Churchill Downs - It's the home of the Kentucky Derby and watches the races while you're drinking mint juleps and making your bets. And if you lose, it's lots of fun. Churchill Downs formally opened its doors in Louisville and started its history as the "Home of the Kentucky Derby" and the longest continuous sporting event in America.
Muhammad Ali Art Center - Muhammad's dream of spreading his inspiration with the world is being fulfilled through the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The Ali Center appeals to the spirit, the intellect, and the imagination. You will watch a powerful video about Ali's life and take part in an engaging exhibition.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail - Collection of world-famous distilleries of centuries of history. And that is the culture, their history, and pride. In 1999 the Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a routine experience for Bourbon lovers who visited the Bluegrass State Signature Distilleries, a world which had its first taste of the deep-roots and proud legacy of the American official native spirit.
Louisville Mega Cavern - Louisville is home to the biggest Caverns in the United States, so huge and called the ''Mega Cavern''. This tour will certainly get your balance with the six underground zip lines, the fun two-run racing zip, and the two impressive obstacle ports. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, MEGA ZIPS is the place to explore.
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company - A distillery tour, behind-the-scenes! Experience how they make good Bourbon and Rye whiskey from grain to bottle. Each tour involves a full taste of whiskey.
Louisville Slugger Field - Louisville Slugger Field is a baseball stadium located in Louisville, Kentucky, the famous Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat. 11,522 fixed seats with a capacity for 1,609 additional spectators in the picnic areas and berm areas are included in the stadium. The ballpark also features 32 private suites, 850 club seats on the second floor.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory - The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory recognizes the remarkable role of the Louisville Slugger in the history, present, and future of baseball, to entertain the guests and create memories of a joyful life. It is one of the best sports museums in the world, according to Forbes.com.
Cave Hill Cemetery - A succession of professional and creative landscape gardeners has blessed Cave Hill, and Louisville has become a regional center for monument builders. The outcome is a rural cemetery, in the garden style, which has long been considered a model to emulate. There are several famous people at Cave Hill Cemetery, such as Colonel Harlan Sanders, Muhammad Ali, and Senator Georgia Powers.
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum - This Richardsonian Romanesque castle, designed in 1895 by Louisville architect Arthur Loomis, stands as an ornament to the city of Louisville, a distinguishing marker in the largest concentration of Victorian homes in America and is a place of cultural and architectural significance in the city of Louisville.
The Brown Hotel - The Brown Hotel is opulent yet welcoming, an iconic destination inescapably woven into the fabric of the city, like a fine Kentucky bourbon that never overwhelms you with its history, but instead entertains you with a lifetime of colorful experiences. The Brown Hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places provides convenient access to many of the most popular attractions in Louisville, including the Brown Theatre, the Palace Theatre, and the Kentucky International Convention Center. The hotel holds the coveted ranking of AAA Four Diamond, a testament to its venue, service, and exquisite sense of style.
Eight Up Elevated Drinkery & kitchen - 8UP features a 90-seat restaurant where guests can relax amidst dark wood paneling and 8-foot-high backed banquets opposite large picture windows offering the City's best view. The lounge boasts its kitchen designated to an indoor bar and enjoys the open-air rooftop bar.
Great Food - Louisville is fast becoming a famous culinary destination in the state of Kentucky. Where to get the iconic dishes and drinks in Louisville? Some of it is Hot Brown by The Brown Hotel, sage beurre blanc topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto by Jack Fry’s. Mayan Cafe is recognized as a pioneer of Louisville's NuLu neighborhood food scene.
2. Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, boredom is hard to come by. To begin with, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. Ruby Falls is the largest underground waterfall in the country, and the largest and the oldest military park in the nation is the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. One of the steepest incline railways in the world is the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. And the Bluff View Art District could be the smallest (only 11⁄2 blocks!) neighborhood you have ever heard of.
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park - The National Military Park of Chickamauga & Chattanooga is the oldest and largest of the Civil War parks in America, spanning many separate areas of land both north and south of the border between Tennessee and Georgia, in 1863 earning the title of the "Gateway of the Deep South." The Chickamauga section of the park is free, but there is a $10 fee to enter Point Park for adults, while children under the age of 16 can visit the park free of charge.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - The most memorable way to get to the Lookout Mountain is the Incline Railway, known as "America's Most Amazing Mile," At the bottom of the slope, visitors can explore the historic district of St. Elmo's, and top visitors can enjoy views from the highest point of the Lookout Mountain. Typically, the Incline Railway operated daily from 9 a.m. At 7 p.m., though the hours are subject to change. Round-trip tickets cost $15 for adults and $7 for children aged 3 to 12. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Station St. Elmo is located approximately three miles south of downtown Chattanooga.
Ruby Falls - Located along the Tennessee River Gorge just south of downtown Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Lookout Mountain, and the largest underground waterfall in America, located 1,120 feet below the surface of the mountain. Ruby Falls is open beginning at 8 am to 8 pm, round-the-year. For adults, tickets cost $22.95, and for children aged 3 to 12, $12.95.
Tennessee Aquarium - one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world, and the largest attraction in Chattanooga. The number of animals kept at the facility surprised many visitors. Many travelers say that they intend to spend a full day at the aquarium. The Aquarium of Tennessee is available from 9 am till 5 pm. For adults, entry costs $34.95 and for children aged 3 to 12, $21.95; children younger than 3 can join free of charge.
Bluff View Art District - This district is barely a neighborhood atop a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga: it covers just 11⁄2 miles. There are also three art museums in the small district: The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, The River Gallery, and the American Art’s Hunter Museum. Many others liked the fact that so many interesting places were within walking distance of each other, particularly the museums. A mile northeast of downtown Chattanooga, the Bluff View Art District is easily accessible by foot or bike.
Chattanooga Choo Choo - was originally a hotel until it was bought in 1905 by the Southern Railway. It opened as a terminal station four years later and gradually became a major hub, carrying more than 50 passenger trains a day. By 1973, the train station was turned into a hotel again. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places today and is one of
Rock City Gardens - Located on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain, this famous 4,100-footpath provides attractions for several different types of travelers. Outdoor travelers will enjoy weaving along the Mystical Path through the tall boulders at Needle's Eye and Fat Man's Squeeze. Recent visitors have enjoyed their Rock City experiences, citing the natural attractions as beautiful and amazing to explore, especially for those with kids. Rock City has seasonal hours, admission is $21.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 3 to 12 years of age. Parking at the attraction is free of charge, but due to its location in Georgia, it cannot be reached by public bus.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum - By taking you for a trip, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum shows you first-hand how the trains operated. The Mobile Museum is a collection of passenger cars powered by either steam or diesel engines that were designed in the early 1900s. The museum is a must-visit spot for train enthusiasts, previous riders said, the turntable experience was especially enjoyed by them. Each TVRM ride operates on a different schedule, tickets start at $19 for riders 13 and older and $13 for children 2 to 12 years of age; children younger than 2 travel free of charge.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns - Raccoon Mountain Caverns consists of more than 5 miles of underground passageways. While many caves have small growth areas, Raccoon Mountain Caverns has numerous, 100% natural formations and is amazingly well preserved, considered to be one of the most geologically active caverns in the South. Crystal Palace Walking Tours are available upon reservation only. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
Creative Discovery Museum - In the heart of downtown Chattanooga, visit a nationally ranked museum for kids. Following a full day of play, explore the Scenic City and all it has to offer. Eat, shop, and experience all the outdoors within walking distance of the amenities of the Museum. Thursday to Monday, available from 10 am towards 1 pm and from 2 pm till 5 pm.
Chattanooga Zoo - Come near! Experience the Chattanooga Zoo with a Zoo Tour from a different viewpoint! Upgrade your admission and go through the Zoo on a guided adventure. Each 30-minute tour provides a range of behind-the-scenes, feedings, animal meetings and greets, as well as keeper talks. Tours are held from Friday to Sunday, reservations must be made beforehand, just for $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Most of the treasures of Asheville are found outdoors in the great. Before reaching the open road on the Blue Ridge Parkway, travelers can imagine what it is like to live in the lap of luxury at Biltmore. Those looking to take in even more fresh air can walk parts of the Appalachian Trail or go for a dip in the Pisgah National Forest swimming hole during the summer. Tour one of the area's breweries or pop into the boutiques and galleries in the River Arts District for a little more relaxation.
Biltmore - The 250-room house, with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and a whopping 65 fireplaces, was considered the largest private home in America and took six years to build. Every season, the property features numerous activities, including the spring Biltmore Blooms, a summer concert series and the great Christmas shows that include more than 40 opulent trees. For some, the $60 entrance fee is steep, but the majority of visitors are impressed by the sheer scale and attention to detail of the property (save up to $10 before your visit by buying your ticket). At the winery or estate grounds, you can opt for an audio tour, a guided tour, or specialty tours for additional fees. Admission for children under the age of 9 is free throughout the year; admission for children between the ages of 10 and 16 is free seasonally. Hours vary seasonally, but generally, the house is open for a tour from 9 am to 5 pm.
Asheville Urban Trail - The 1.7-mile-long Asheville Urban Trail walks tourists through the city's cultural and architectural past, winding through downtown. Each of the trail's 30 stops, built by the city of Asheville to display its unique past, is marked with a public sculpture that captures a significant individual or moment in the history of the region. Around two hours should be set aside for tourists who want to explore all 30 landmarks.
Pisgah National Forest - Pisgah National Park is jam packed with events and stunning vistas, offering more than 500,000 acres of land about 40 miles northeast of downtown Asheville. The forest offers enough opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with hundreds of miles of trails and numerous waterfalls and swimming holes. The park has three districts which are the Pisgah Ranger District, provides the easiest access to many waterfalls, while the Appalachian Ranger District, popular with Horseback riders and can find the most appropriate trails for them along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, and the Grandfather Ranger District - find more challenging trails for experienced hikers. Need to secure a permit for camping, but all other activities are free to enjoy.
Appalachian Trail - runs for 2,190 miles through 14 states. Hiking enthusiasts may set out on a multi-day or week-long journey (keep in mind that in some places, especially within the Great Smoky Mountains, you will need permits to camp and hike). You can go about 35 miles northwest of Asheville to the town of Hot Springs. Take Interstate 26 North to Highway 25/Highway 70 North to arrive at Hot Springs.
Blue Ridge Parkway - The parkway is divided into milestones, which increase as you go farther south. In Asheville, on milepost 384, located the headquarters and principal visitor center. Visitors can learn about the region's natural and cultural history, as well as the outdoor activities that are available along the parkway. It is free to drive along the parkway, as is access to most of its attractions. Bear in mind: during the winter, most attractions along the parkway close and reopen in April or May.
The North Carolina Arboretum - The North Carolina Arboretum would like to be placed on their to-do list by those with green thumbs. Visitors will walk through 65 acres of gardens, including the National Native Azalea Collection, the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, the Southern Appalachian Horticulture Heritage Garden, and much more. There is no individual cost of admission, just a $14 parking charge for a car. Hours differ according to seasons and services.
Asheville Breweries - Asheville has emerged as the southeastern beer capital. The beers made in Asheville, as well as the tasting room experiences, are as unique as the city itself, ranging from the city's first brewery, Highland Brewing Company, to the award-winning Wicked Weed Brewing that features "sour and funky beer." Big brands like the Sierra Nevada and New Belgium are moving into the beer scene in Asheville.
Folk Art Center – with Southern Highland Craft Guild, the guild dates back to the 1890s and still represents Southern Appalachia's artists and craftsmen. In three galleries, the center features traditional and contemporary crafts, the home of a bookstore, a parkway information desk, a library, and the Allan stand Art Shop. The Folk-Art Center said it was well worth the stopover on the parkway, and a lot grabbed a souvenir. The center is open daily from 9 am till 5 pm.
4. St. Louis
Vibrant museums, gardens, and parks are some of the reasons why you would want to meet in St. Louis. Families enjoy visiting the Saint Louis Zoo, the Magic House, and the Science Center of Saint Louis. Worth checking out also the City Museum and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Save time to marvel at the famous Gateway Arch of stainless-steel emerging from the city center.
Gateway Arch - a monument that remains proud of for more than 50 years after its construction. The Gateway Arch stainless steel, which Eero Saarinen designed and submitted during a national competition, rises 630 feet into the air and stretches 630 feet from leg to leg. Free to enjoy on the ground, opened in July 2018. Consider purchasing a one-hour cruise tour ticket, which costs $20 for adults and $10 for children between the ages of 3 and 15. Tickets can be bought in advance from the Gateway Arch ticket platform for both events. In downtown St. Louis' Gateway Arch National Park, this attraction sits right on the Mississippi River. The landmark welcomes tourists starting at 8 am to 10 pm, and between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day winter hours are from 9 am to 6 pm.
St. Louis' Forest Park - Forest Park is huge, it is about 500 acres bigger than the vast Central Park in New York City. The forest holds nearly 1,300 acres of things to do. You will find everything from summer concerts to museums to a fish hatchery to a golf course. Although the park is free for 24 hours a day, some of its attractions may charge a small fee.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis - completed in the early 1900s, almost 42 million pieces of glass tesserae comprise the installation, making it one of the world's largest. The vast array of mosaics in the cathedral is why many former tourists recommend spending many hours here, even if you're not religious. The cathedral is situated just east of Forest Park in the Central West End area. This free attraction is open starting from 7 am to 5 pm. Daily and free tours take place from 10 am to 4 pm regularly Monday through Friday and on Saturdays by appointment. To access the lower-level mosaic museum of the property, a small donation of $2 per person is required.
Saint Louis Zoo - Lions, tigers, and bears, armadillos, sloths, swans, penguins, turtles, gators, tarantulas, along with many other kinds of creatures can be found in Saint Louis Zoo. The zoo, located in the vast Forest Park of St. Louis, is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day in autumn, winter, and spring. Admission is free to the zoo, but there is a small charge for extras, such as rides on the Conservation Carousel and the Zoo line Railroad. Consider purchasing an Adventure Pass, which costs $12.95 per person and includes admission to most of the zoo's extra events, to maximize savings during your visit.
Grant's Farm - Founded by the Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant, who settled on the property to farm and raise cattle in 1854. Grant's Farm is now home to 281 acres of land, offers concerts and some animal shows. The land also features stables that house some of Budweiser's famous Clydesdale horses. The park is generally open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 am to 9:30 am. and at 2:30 pm or 3:30 pm. Farm charges $13 per vehicle, but it is free to enter.
City Museum - "Toddler Town," an exhibition with tunnels and a ball pit for totes, and "Enchanted Caves," where visitors can explore tooth-like stalactites and deep caverns. Tickets cost $15 (plus tax) for patrons 3 years and older; visitors 2 and younger enter free of charge. Admission is $13 (plus tax) on Friday and Saturday nights after 5 pm. Additional charges apply for on-site parking and a visit to the seasonal rooftop. The museum is open from 9 am and at 5 pm. Monday through Thursday, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
Saint Louis Art Museum - Home to over 34,000 works of art, exhibits objects from Europe, Asia, and ancient Egypt. Here, you will find a mixture of paintings, sculptures, photos, textiles, and more. The museum welcomes visitors from 10 am every Tuesday through Sunday. With extended hours on Fridays, until 5 pm. A restaurant, a bakery, two gift shops, and toilets are on-site facilities.
Saint Louis Science Center - In just south of Forest Park's Oakland Avenue border stands the Saint Louis Science Center. It has 700 hands-on exhibits about animals, space, weather, and skyscrapers, to name some. Complimentary science experiments and live demonstrations are as well available. The museum is open from 9:30 am Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays 4:30 pm and 11 am. Tickets for selected activities, such as IMAX movies and planetary shows, are sold through the online ticket portal, but class passes, flight simulators and Discovery Room experiences can only be purchased on-site.
Missouri Botanical Garden - Situated southwest of downtown St. Louis in the Tower Grove Park area, opens all year round from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is $12 for adults; children 12 and younger are free of charge. All entrance fees include access to the gardens, plus facilities such as toilets, two gift shops, a cafe, and a pavilion that serves a meal every Sunday.
The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum - offers a variety of interactive exhibits for younger children to enjoy. On sunny days, your kids can also walk around the Outdoor Play Garden, which features a circular stream, hopscotch courts, a kaleidoscope garden, and more. During the school year, welcomes a visitor from Tuesday through Friday between noon and 5:30 or 9 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays it opens from 9:30 or 11 am until 5:30 pm. Admission costs $11 per person 1 or older; seniors receive discounted rates.
Busch Stadium - located in downtown city, just a few blocks from the river and a mile from the Scottrade Center. Game fees vary, and hourly tours cost $14 to $18 per person, children 3 and younger do not need tickets. Tours are available every day during the baseball season from 9:30 am to 11 am 12:30 pm and 2 pm. While off-season tours depart at 11 am and at 12:30 pm every day. Busch Stadium features the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, multiple team stores, sit-down, and grab-and-go dining, and the Build-A-Bear Workshop, the hours of the stadium vary by day.
Missouri Civil War Museum - Admissions and hours are open daily 9 am to 4 pm. MCWM Member and child under 5 is FREE while Group of 10+ people and student fee is $6.00 each. Active Duty/Veteran fee is $6.00, for Senior with age 60+ fee is $7.00 and for Individual: $8.00.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre - On September 7, 1982, the Fabulous Fox re-opened its doors with the musical "Barnum" to a crowd of 4,500. The National Trust of Historic Preservation was awarded the 1983 National Trust Honor Award for the meticulous restoration of the Fox. Today, the Fabulous Fox proudly presents something for everyone; more than 200 performances and special events take place every year at the Fox, with the nation's top entertainers and productions appearing on the Fox stage.
By choosing a Mini Moon in Nashville, you can visit a place that has meaning to your relationship as a couple and relive all those wonderful memories as you begin your married life. To have a Mini Moon after your wedding and postpone your full-blown honeymoon until a few months later, you give yourself the chance to save up again, creating a budget for a lifetime trip that you may not have had when you pay for your wedding costs as well.
Inspired by the idea of a Mini Moon? You're going to love a Mini Moon in Nashville, where activities, stunning scenery, and delicious dining abound.
Share with us your Mini Moon experiences. Let's learn from each other where to have some great and wonderful Mini Moon moments.